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Bill Belichick fined $50,000 for grabbing official

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is seen past an official as he looks on in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012.
(Photo by AP)

Bill Belichick has to pay for getting physical with a replacement referee following Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Patriots coach was assessed a $50,000 fine for "impermissible physical contact" for grabbing replacement official Esteban Garza's arm after the Ravens kicked a game-winning field goal that passed over the top upright Sunday night.

Belichick explained during his Monday news conference that he was simply seeking clarification on the rules and that the replacement official refused to acknowledge him, at which point Belichick grabbed his arm.

Asked about the incident Wednesday, Belichick had nothing to add and said he "respects" whatever decisions the league makes. He later released a statement.

"It was inappropriate for me to contact the official," Belichick said. "I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh was not punished for bumping into a referee during the same game. Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was fined $25,000 for his treatment of the officials during a 38-31 loss to Cincinnati.

It is being reported that the league and the NFL Referees Association is closing in on a deal that could put the regular officials back on the field as soon as this weekend.